London (Parliament News) – Tens of thousands of people paraded, many in colourful outfits, in this year’s Pride parade in central London.
What were the highlights of London’s 2024 Pride Parade?
The annual event, which included the theme #WeAreEverywhere in 2024, is a rally of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity which honours diversity and fosters inclusion. The parade was kicked off at noon by London’s Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan and his wife, Saadiya Khan, who stood at the facade alongside the London Assembly leader Andrew Boff, a Conservative, who is gay.
How did participants enjoy the London Pride Parade?
The event topped in a mass gathering at Trafalgar Square where attendees appreciated musical acts as free, cold soft drinks were given out to crowds that had spent the day in the warm sun.
Alena Firestone, a 21-year-old student from Washington DC, in the US, stated: “I’ve been to pride marches in DC and Philadelphia, and I noticed that they were doing one in London so I desired to see what it was all around. Ms Firestone went to watch the march with her friend, Tamara Whitehead, 22, who studies with her at University College London.
Ms Firestone stated: “In Washington, you march within the parade. But here, by standing on the side, you get a better feel for it.”
What groups were represented in London’s Pride Parade?
Among the various groups represented on the parade were Tesco employees, a marching band who treated groups to a popular brass version of Toxic by Britney Spears, and Ishigaki Ju-Jitsu – the UK’s largest LGBT+ martial arts club. As the march went down Piccadilly, spectators and parties danced and sang to loud pop music being pumped out of a Heart radio float.
What controversies arose during London’s Pride Parade?
Queers For Palestine marchers chimed “There is no pride in genocide” as they walked down Piccadilly. The 50-person company held posters accusing Israel of genocide and charging “pinkwashing” – the indictment that Israel takes an advanced position on gay rights to improve its international reputation.
Asked why she liked to march with the group, one young woman who did not desire to be identified replied: “Free Palestine.” Amran Khan, who did not desire to give their age, said they were against pinkwashing.
Questioned what they made of complaints that Queers For Palestine ignore the narrow gay rights within Palestinian society, they stated: “I can’t speak because I’m not from there, but you have to be in a favoured position to ask that question.” They expressed the group was getting a “very positive” reception from the public. Another marcher, Tahir Kesai, stated: “We decided to march because we believe it’s important to be here. We’re too emotional about this cause not to participate.”
The 50-year-old from Windsor stated: “Being gay means other things in different parts of the world. “I don’t agree you have to be gay in a Western way. I think people sense it differently. I don’t think Israel is that gay-friendly, either.” Onlooker Wes, 42 a GP from Surrey who did not like to give his surname stated he thought it was a “positive thing” that the company were part of the parade. Ben, 44, a surgeon, also from Surrey, stated: “Pride is a political event. It’s their freedom of speech.”
Christian counter-protesters assembled outside the parade repeating religious sermons criticising the march. The group of seven men and one woman stood within a fenced-off section adjoining the route of the parade.